Thursday, March 27, 2014

Good News: Four Good Priests

The final night of the mission here in Chicago occurred last night at Saint Pascal's on the city's Northwest Side.

Here are a few photos I snapped before things got rolling.

Each evening of the mission, I was invited to and ate dinner with the four pastors of the parishes sponsoring the four-parish mission. I don't spend lots and lots of time with priests these days, so I was somewhat "all ears" during our conversations.

As you may know, the Archdiocese of Chicago is in a liminal moment right now. Our archbishop, Cardinal George, who submitted his resignation to Rome over two years ago, is simply unwell, with a recurrence of cancer and other complications in the past few weeks. So, as we pray for the Cardinal, we also await word from Rome about a new shepherd. I listened to these fine priests talk about their frustrations with the current situation here, all too much to go into here. What I came away with, however, was the sense that these four guys are dedicated priests, men who, despite their frustrations, simply love their people. They love being priests. They want the best for those whom God has entrusted to their care. They are intelligent, articulate men who want nothing but the best for their people and for the Archdiocese of Chicago. They represent a good cross-section of priests here in the Archdiocese, and perhaps elsewhere. The youngest is a Polish-born man, whose vision for the Archdiocese is filled with hope and optimism. Next is a Mexican-born man, who is obviously cherished by his people, and vice versa. Next is a man who worked in the corporate world for years, who came to Catholicism after having been a Baptist for most of his life; he was ordained later in life than the other men. The fourth man, a Chicago native, was ordained in his twenties, what used to be considered the usual path; he, like the others, is articulate and respected by his parishioners. As I sat there last night listening to them talk, agree with each other on some issues and disagree on others, it dawned on me how much these are men of the Church, men who love the priesthood, men who would do anything for their parishioners.

I began the mission session last night in a different way than I usually do. I talked about these pastors. I told those in attendance how much I had learned about these men in the last several days. I told them that I knew that one thing was certain: these pastors love their people. Then I asked the folks in church to not be afraid, even if they are not the "touchy-feely" type, not to be afraid to thank their priests and, after Mass on Sunday, simply to tell them, "I love you, Father." Then all joined in a round of applause for their good pastors.

I don't do a lot of parish missions; my schedule just can't allow it. But, I can tell you one thing. This particular mission helped restore my respect for the Roman Catholic priesthood and for the communities that are cared for by such loving men. Too often, only the bad news about priests is heralded in the media. These four men represent so much of the good news about priests. For that, I am forever grateful.

3 comments:

Jerry, Thanks for your kind words. Our parishes are better for having you with us! I heard from several people, :I wasn't too sure about a mission being led by a lay person but this was really good. It connected with my life!" If there is a higher tribute, I don't know what it is. Thank you for sharing your faith and giving us inspiration and motivation. Heading for the service entrance now. Peace, Paul Seaman, Saint Pascal

Thanks for leading us in our mission and sharing your wisdom, spirituality and insights your. Your stories and personal experiences made it real. I am grateful for your support and kind words. The feedback has ben all positive from the parishioners as well. It's good to show them that the laity have gifts to share and that one need not wear a collar to be a spiritual guide. Blessings always, Neil Fackler, St. Robert Bellarmine

About Me and the Blog

Dr. Jerry Galipeau is Vice President and Chief Publishing Officer at J. S. Paluch Company and its music and liturgy division, World Library Publications, located in Franklin Park, Illinois.
Jerry presents keynotes and workshops throughout the United States and Canada on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, liturgical spirituality, ritual music, evangelization, and adult spiritual formation. He earned the Doctor of Ministry with a concentration in liturgical studies from Catholic Theological Union at Chicago in 1999.
Gotta Sing Gotta Pray is Jerry's blog in which he shares reflections on current events in the Church and in the world that may be of particular interest to those serving the Church.